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Thursday, May 07, 2015

The Perfect Match by Lory Lilian

Today I am reviewing a wonderful little novella, by the lovely Lory Lilian! And there is a giveaway!

"“The Perfect Match” is a short story, a sequel to “Pride and Prejudice” that takes place a year after the events of Jane Austen’s novel. Her beloved characters are approaching their first wedding anniversary as the Darcys and Bingleys experience somewhat different marriages. In addition, Elizabeth Darcy has the burden of organizing her first ball while she encounters the challenges of the high circles of Regency London, not to mention a mysterious “affliction” that has Mr. Darcy in a panic . . . This novella is light and very sensual, with low angst and several scenes suggested for a mature audience. There is no explicit sexual content."

You may have noticed but I hardly ever read and review sequels. Why? Two reasons; 1. I like to read how Darcy and Lizzy come together, and once they are married, I know they will be happy, and my imagination can do the rest. But mostly because 2. in most sequels people seem to throw so many problems at poor Darcy and Lizzy! Why? What's the need? They had their problems - many problems! - in getting together, so when they reach the wedding, please can they be left alone and be allowed to be happy!

So it took Lory a lot of persuading to get me to read this, but I am really glad I did! This sequel was how it should be, how Jane Auten intended it from all the clues she leaves us in the novel about life after "the end". We are told in the last line of Pride and Prejudice that Darcy and Lizzy are very happy, and so they are in this story! Jane and Bingley are also happy, but they face a few problems to overcome, but these are not "made up" problems; Lory is very clever how she uses what Jane Austen herself tells us about Mr and Mrs Bingley's married life. So this sequel really does work very well in my opinion.

Darcy and Lizzy in this story are just perfect. As in many sequels, so I hear, Darcy's pride and Lizzy's prejudice doesn't randomly return and all the changes that both go through in the novel don't suddenly get forgotten, and they are perfectly and incandescently happy! There are some fantastically romantic scenes - clean, but so swoon worthy! Darcy is just the PERFECT husband! Believe me, this will make you love Darcy even more - I didn't think it was possible, but I was very wrong! The story is set a year after the marriage, so I also loved seeing how Elizabeth had been accepted by Darcy's family (mostly) and how she interacted with them, particularly the Matlocks.

Following Bingley and Jane was also very enjoyable to read, even more so as we see them overcome their small problems. They are as cute as you would expect! I don't want to give anything away about them, but take it from me, you will love them!

I think something which surprised me the most was that I actually liked Mrs Bennet in this sequel! I know, I know, it sounds unbelievable! But I predict you will too! She has delt with her daughters two brilliant marriages very well. Read it yourself if you don't believe me!

Georgiana is lovely in this. I always like to see more of her. It is great to see Lizzy and her as sisters, and how close they have become. It was also great to see how Georgiana flourishes under Lizzy's influence.

Caroline Bingley.... What can I say... Well, I don't think I have ever wanted to strangle a character in a book more! She is just... intolerable in this story! Brilliantly so, but really intolerable! She gets what's coming to her though, don't worry!

Another favourite character who I always like to see more of is Mrs Gardiner. She shines in this story, particularly in her handling of members of the Darcy family. But I will say no more!

My favourite new character has to be Lady Matlock. She is brilliant, and is very accepting of Elizbeth into the family. She has a great part in the story!

This review is short and sweet, just like The Perfect Match! This is a lovely sequel to Pride and Prejudice. There is also an epilogue at the end which sums up the future for our couples as well as other characters, such as Georgiana, just perfectly!

This novella is extremely romantic, has a lovely storyline, and it is brilliantly written. Lory never disappoints in that area - she has such a way with words! To sum up, I think The Perfect Match is a perfect book!

***GIVEAWAY***

As I mentioned above, I am very lucky to be able to offer a giveaway of two copies of The Perfect Match in any format (ebook or paperback), and this is open internationally.

To enter please leave a comment below and include your email address so that I can contact the randomly selected winners.The giveaway will end on the 17th of May, and I will be in contact with the winners!Good luck!My thanks again goes to Lory for the giveaway!I wish Lory all the best with any stories in the future! Your affectionate friend,

Thank you for your lovely review Sophie. I think the imagination is powerful in what comes next but it is interesting to read someone's perspective of what comes next and the development of the minor characters, for example Mrs Gardiner and Georgiana.

You voiced my reasons for not particularly liking P&Psequels so acurately:) But I have read many good comments about The Perfect Match, and your review confirms that this novella is worth reading. So when I have a chance, I would like to give it a try.Thank you for the giveaway! Maybe that could be the chance:) oloore at gmail dot com

Thank you, Sophie for such a wonderful review and thank ladies for your interest. For years I wanted to write a sequel just as I imagined ODC 's life together, starting from JA's last pages. I did it in about 2 weeks, as I had everything clear in my mind lol. Some readers on Amazon called it "a little boring" because "nothing much" happens. :-). True, nobody is abducted, or murdered or cheated or ill or dying, no tragedies occurred - just the couples' first year into their new lives, developed from the point where PnP ended and following our beloved JA’s indications. Hope you will read and enjoy it. And good luck with the giveaway.

I would **love** a copy of this sequel, especially after your glowing review! I am such a devotee of Austen variations and continuations. With having to obtain my copies from the library system or from FanFiction.net because of finances, I haven't been able to read as widely as I would like. This one does indeed seem to be "The Perfect Match"! :) I really hope to win a copy through this giveaway! :)

I love your review Sophie. I have loved all of Lory's stories and this one is no exception. It's a sweet beautiful story.It was so nice to read a story where our favorite couple has little angst and is a wonderful read. Thank you for the generous give away. skamper25 (at) gmail (dot) com

I'm in love with everything that is Jane's work or it's continuation. Actually I'm in love with whole regency era...thank you for inviting me to spend some more pleasurable evenings with book worth reading :)

I've read over 400 Pride and Prejudice variations, plus I've read many twice and a select some multiple times. Yours fall into the last group. I'd love to win a free copy of your new work. Actually, I'd love to win a free copy of all your future works. I hope you will offer the free ebook with purchase of a paperback on Amazon, so I'll get at least one version free. Thank you so much for the pleasure you have given me over the years. maclaney3@gmail.com

Thanks so much for your kind words about my books. Good luck with this giveaway and I promise I will offer other opportunities, too. Next month a new book will be out and lots of giveaways will follow :-).

I think I have rad so many variations that I thought I had read this one until I read your review....it souds like a fun read....to like Mrs Bennet I can see but I do appreciate that Caroline is still Caroline.....thanks for the giveaway!

About Me

Welcome to my blog that I started when I was just 16. I am thrilled it now reaches Janeites all over the world who share my passion! Look out for reviews, tales of my regency adventures, and much more. I just love to spread the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen! Contact me: s.j.andrews@hotmail.co.uk